Results 141-160 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I too join previous speakers in calling for a weekly debate on Iraq. There is no doubt that the different views held here and in the community have to be reflected and respected, and a debate would at least help to correct the selective inaccuracies being peddled by some. This is important for us and for the public. There are two points that I would like the Leader to raise on my behalf. On...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I have no difficulty in again seeking a firm and direct answer. The second point is even more worrying. Last week I raised an item on the Adjournment about the expansion of Cork Airport. Having been told that we would have a contract within three weeks, I heard within a few days that the deadline has been extended again. I would like a direct answer on that matter as it goes into another year.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: A report on pharmacy will shortly be submitted to the Government. I ask the Leader to arrange an early debate in the House on this important issue in view of the implications for the health service and the contribution made by community pharmacy. I also support the comments expressed by previous speakers on the court proceedings involving Senator Higgins. It is in all our interests to give...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: If Senator Norris wants to debate Middle East issues, I will be happy to do so.

Seanad: Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2002: Second Stage. (27 Mar 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State and his officials. I am pleased to see the Bill before the House and I welcome the principle of establishing a single regulatory authority for the financial services sector. I compliment the McDowell group, the work of which formed the basis on which this legislation has been brought forward. I wish to take up Senator Quinn's point that there is an urgent need...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: Today, the first ever peacekeeping operation led by the European Union commences in Macedonia. Unfortunately, Ireland is not taking part, even though I think 99% of the Irish people would say that we should. The reason we are not involved is the triple-lock mechanism whereby one country, the People's Republic of China, has vetoed a UN mandate, yet we have unanimous EU support for the mission....

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: Settlement cracks are good and do not threaten the infrastructure, while earthquakes such as those felt by Fine Gael after the last election are very hard to recover from.

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. (2 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I compliment the Minister of State on his passion and commitment on behalf of the Government to humanitarian relief, not only in Iraq but also worldwide. Looking at the statistics he outlined to the House, one can see the great endeavours undertaken by this small nation to provide humanitarian relief in so many countries. Long may that continue. It is the proud tradition of this country and...

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. - Regulatory Reform: Motion. (2 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Michael Ahern. I am sorry that the Tánaiste has had to leave but that is no reflection on the Minister of State. Perhaps I am relieved that she had to leave in that she addressed in much of her speech the pharmacy sector which I intend to cover.

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. - Regulatory Reform: Motion. (2 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I belong to a party which supports competition and the market economy. However, that is not to say the market economy does not have its limitations or that there are not instances where Government must intervene to protect the public interest. I am not driven to achieve a free market at any cost. I recognise, for example, the need for Government to intervene, particularly in the provision of...

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (3 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate him on his statement, even if some of the figures are somewhat worrying, particularly the increases in assault and sexual assault.

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (3 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I am trying to put forward some constructive ideas, hoping to promote a debate, not political sniping.

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (3 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I am suggesting a reserve police force in which responsible adults can participate – parents and young people – to reflect the society in which we now live. I suggest a combination of initiatives from courts, planners, legislators and the Garda. As a parent, I share the fear and concerns of many parents who worry about their children visiting our city centres. My proposal for a reserve...

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (3 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: How many parents lie awake worrying about their children on the streets at night? How many of them would volunteer to help patrol those very streets in the knowledge that they were ensuring a safer environment for their children? Could these same parents man telephones, watch CCTV, assist in administrative duties at weekends?

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (3 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: —to the thoughts I have put forward and I hope my fellow Senators will give us some constructive ideas when they get their opportunity to speak.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: He said, "You can", which enabled the Leas-Chathaoirleach to do so. He did not do it himself. I would like the record to be checked.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in seeking a debate on the issue of housing, land costs and the charges imposed by financial institutions with regard to mortgages and the transfer thereof. We could have a worthy debate on that matter and I urge the Leader to arrange it as soon as possible. I also join previous speakers in welcoming the President of the United States to Ireland and his intervention...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: It is relevant. Previous speakers have been allowed to stand up and condemn the President of the United States. I am equally entitled to say that we should be very careful in what we say about the incumbent, or about any President. We should refer to the office—

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: —and we should refer to the office.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2003)

John Minihan: I would welcome a debate—